An intelligence-driven operation by police has led to the arrest of two suspects, aged 20 and 21, who are allegedly linked to a series of kidnapping, robbery and rape cases in Ivory Park and surrounding areas.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the arrests follow an investigation into the kidnapping of a 24-year-old woman who was allegedly abducted outside her residence in Ivory Park on July 9.

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It is alleged that the suspects forced the victim into a vehicle, drove around with her, and used her cellphone to contact her family while demanding a ransom for her release.

“Crime Intelligence, working together with the Ivory Park Detectives, Ivory Park Task Team and the Provincial Anti-Kidnapping Team, conducted an intensive investigation that led to the identification of the vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the crime,” said Sibeko.

Further investigation linked the same vehicle to several similar incidents reported in the Ivory Park and Tembisa policing precincts.

“On July 13, operational members intercepted the identified grey Toyota Rumion in Ivory Park Extension 2 and arrested the two suspects. The vehicle, which was positively linked to the commission of the offences, was seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

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“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly kidnapped victims, robbed them and, in some instances, sexually assaulted female victims while driving around with them. Investigations are continuing, and further arrests cannot be ruled out.”

The suspects are expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court soon.

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